Love is complicated and people's minds can get even more convoluted as they try to decipher their feelings.
Some people view certain behaviors such as codependence, manipulation and jealousy as romantic, in contrast to others who would argue that individual freedom and independence are essential to sustain a healthy and respectful relationship.
Nevertheless, violence in romantic relationships is real; this is why many NGOs actively try to raise awareness of the issue.
This theme is explored in Poses if (Possessive), the first commercial drama directed by Indonesian filmmaker Edwin, who is more known for his indie films such as 2008's Babi Buta Ingin Terbang (Blind Pig Who Wants To Fly).
The film's title already suggests that the story relates to a controlling, obsessive and overly jealous partner - something you might not get from the poster, which shows the two main characters smiling with their shoelaces tied together.
Do not be misled by the film's marketing, which suggests that it will be your typical romantic high school drama. You will be surprised to find the film is more than just a teen flick, thereby adding a fresh theme to Indonesia's repertoire of coming-of-age films.
The film opens with beautiful views of a blue sky and a diving board where Lala (Putri Marino), a diving athlete, is ready to jump into a pool. Her father, a national diving trainer, has high expectations of her and becomes hypercritical of her performance, in the hopes that she will follow in the footsteps of her late mother, an accomplished diver.
Around this time, she meets cute Yudhis (Adipati Dolken), a handsome new student who has just enrolled in her high school. She helps him to sneak into the teacher's room to retrieve his confiscated shoes, to no avail. The teacher later punishes them by trying their shoes together and having them walk through the schoolyard.
The tying of their shoelaces, apparently, is a metaphor for the looming codependency between the couple, with Yudhis being controlling and overly jealous of Lala. He soon becomes jealous of her two best friends and even when she takes part in activities that don't involve him.
The storyline cleverly potrays the complexity of the codependent and abusive relationship, making it feel all too real as the manipulate boyfriend goes through moments, of agression and then crying like a child and then begging for forgiveness.
It peels away the layers of abusive relationships and behavior, giving the audience not only something entertaining to watch but also an issue to ponder. Posesif also explores, in a heartfell manner, the meaning of friendship and social support.
Coming-of-age films might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, thanks to the film's unique theme and true-to-life depiction of abuse, adults and teenagers alike will have something to think about and talk about long after leaving the cinema.
Sebastian Partogi
Tha Jakarta Post/Jakarta
Some people view certain behaviors such as codependence, manipulation and jealousy as romantic, in contrast to others who would argue that individual freedom and independence are essential to sustain a healthy and respectful relationship.
Nevertheless, violence in romantic relationships is real; this is why many NGOs actively try to raise awareness of the issue.
This theme is explored in Poses if (Possessive), the first commercial drama directed by Indonesian filmmaker Edwin, who is more known for his indie films such as 2008's Babi Buta Ingin Terbang (Blind Pig Who Wants To Fly).
The film's title already suggests that the story relates to a controlling, obsessive and overly jealous partner - something you might not get from the poster, which shows the two main characters smiling with their shoelaces tied together.
Do not be misled by the film's marketing, which suggests that it will be your typical romantic high school drama. You will be surprised to find the film is more than just a teen flick, thereby adding a fresh theme to Indonesia's repertoire of coming-of-age films.
The film opens with beautiful views of a blue sky and a diving board where Lala (Putri Marino), a diving athlete, is ready to jump into a pool. Her father, a national diving trainer, has high expectations of her and becomes hypercritical of her performance, in the hopes that she will follow in the footsteps of her late mother, an accomplished diver.
Around this time, she meets cute Yudhis (Adipati Dolken), a handsome new student who has just enrolled in her high school. She helps him to sneak into the teacher's room to retrieve his confiscated shoes, to no avail. The teacher later punishes them by trying their shoes together and having them walk through the schoolyard.
The tying of their shoelaces, apparently, is a metaphor for the looming codependency between the couple, with Yudhis being controlling and overly jealous of Lala. He soon becomes jealous of her two best friends and even when she takes part in activities that don't involve him.
The storyline cleverly potrays the complexity of the codependent and abusive relationship, making it feel all too real as the manipulate boyfriend goes through moments, of agression and then crying like a child and then begging for forgiveness.
It peels away the layers of abusive relationships and behavior, giving the audience not only something entertaining to watch but also an issue to ponder. Posesif also explores, in a heartfell manner, the meaning of friendship and social support.
Coming-of-age films might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, thanks to the film's unique theme and true-to-life depiction of abuse, adults and teenagers alike will have something to think about and talk about long after leaving the cinema.
Sebastian Partogi
Tha Jakarta Post/Jakarta
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar